Lyonel LaGrone Jr,
Urbana, IL.

Over the last 17 years I have held a number of positions that have required me to give presentations on various topics across the United States. Often, when presenting to predominately White audiences someone will approach me after a presentation and offer up as a compliment, “You are very articulate.” What they don’t know is that is an indirect insult. I have never heard anyone walk up to a fellow panelist who happens to be White and compliment they on their ability to speak fluently and coherently. I don’t want to be rude (like that person was) so I will express appreciation for the “compliment.” It is this sort of subconscious bias that a lot of professional Black males deal with on a daily basis.